Third Russia-Africa Summit Opens in Moscow Amid $27 Billion Trade Gap
Egypt accounts for nearly 40% of Moscow's continental commerce, while military presence expands in the Sahel.
By Andrew Yang ·
The third Russia-Africa summit began in Moscow on October 28, bringing together leaders from the continent and the Kremlin. The two-day event focuses primarily on economic cooperation, with secondary discussions covering security, science, and culture. President Vladimir Putin has prioritized these ties since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, seeking to diversify Moscow's international alliances beyond Europe.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has visited the continent frequently in recent years. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterized the relationship as a historic return. She stated that no other power has done more for Africa in the 20th century. Despite this diplomatic activity, trade figures indicate that Moscow maintains deep economic ties with only a handful of nations, primarily in North Africa.
Egypt serves as Russia's most vital partner on the continent. According to Russia's Federal Customs Service, bilateral trade volume reached $10.5 billion in 2025. This figure represents more than a doubling of trade since 2021. Russian grain and metal industry products lead exports to Cairo, while Egypt ships fruit and vegetables to Russia. The country accounted for roughly 39% of all Russian-African trade that year.
A major infrastructure project underscores the partnership. Russia is constructing a nuclear power plant in the El-Dabaa region on Egypt's Mediterranean coast. A $25 billion Russian loan finances approximately 85% of the construction costs. Nikita Smagin, a Middle East policy expert, noted that Egypt could serve as Moscow's gateway to other markets. However, he cautioned that Cairo pursues its own interests rather than acting solely from political solidarity.
Total sales between Russia and all 54 African countries amounted to approximately $27 billion in 2025. This sum represents just 3.9% of Russia's total foreign trade. For African nations, the European Union remains the dominant trading partner, with a $385 billion volume in 2025. China followed with over $348 billion, the United States with nearly $105 billion, and India with $103 billion.
Military presence often exceeds economic footprint in specific regions. The Africa Corps, a paramilitary group under Russia's defense ministry, has taken over many operations previously managed by the Wagner Group. Congressional Research Service data places large Russian contingents of several thousand men in the Central African Republic, Mali, and Libya. The group is also expanding into Burkina Faso and Niger. Irina Filatova of the University of Cape Town explained that these locations offer access to mineral deposits like gold and uranium, as well as logistical hubs for the Sahel.
Russia remains a top arms supplier to the continent despite a decline in exports during the Ukraine war. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates Moscow held a 15% share of the African arms market between 2021 and 2025. This places Russia in third position behind the United States at 19% and China at 17%. In the previous period from 2020 to 2024, Russia led with a 21% share.
Diplomats cite the continent's diplomatic weight as a key objective. Africa holds the largest number of member states in the United Nations. Fidel Owusu of Geopolitical Intelligence Services stated that Russia seeks support in UN General Assembly votes. Putin recently told the Valdai Discussion Club that Russia aims to develop with Africa rather than exploit it, distinguishing Moscow's approach from colonial powers.
